Ronen Kadushin's LYTA Chair: lightweight and 100% recyclable

What makes a chair eco-friendly? Well, it takes quite a lot of things such as recyclability, reduced weight, longevity, both technically and emotionally, and the possibility to repair it before tossing it away. An eco-friendly chair cannot be thrown out because of a broken leg, or a wine stain. It seems that Israeli-born, Berlin-based designer Ronen Kadushin has archived these requirements in his LYTA chair. Less is more

The chunky armchair only weighs 15 kg, which means a reduced environmental impact during transportation. Another advantage of lightweight furniture is that it is easy to move around for rearranging or cleaning, even for elderly or disabled people. This is achieved by using ARPRO for the structure of the chair. ARPRO is basically expanded Polypropylene, which is "Tupperware with 95% air inside" as described by the manufacturer Movisi.

A Cradle to Cradle design?

Although the material for the chair derives from petrol, it is 100% recyclable, and "no trees are cut to make the chairs" adds Movisi. Mc Donough and Braungart would probably agree as this looks very much like a Cradle to Cradle designed product. Movisi claims that the LYTA structure is "allergy friendly, emission/toxic free, no glues, metals etc.", which cannot be said about most common upholstered furniture.

Longevity through good design

Nowadays it is difficult to get furniture that lasts a long time. One problem is that the quality is not what it used to be, and the pieces break easily. The solution is to make less breakable objects, and make sure they can be repaired. The LYTA chair does not need any maintenance and all the components can be easily replaced individually, which saves the need to ever buy a whole new chair. The other reason why a chair arrives too soon at its end of life is emotional. We suddenly don't like it any more, or the fashion has moved on. One way of dealing with this kind of obsolescence is to make the chair personal. The LYTA chair for example offers a full range of replaceable and washable covers in different colours. In 5 minutes you can give your chair a new look. Both cover and foam can be easily washed.

Responsible production

Movisi want to secure good quality as well as take on a social responsibility. By producing all their product in Germany, they can guarantee environmentally responsible production methods as well as correct labour methods and fair wages.

Now the only doubt we are left with is its price, and whether the chair is truly comfortable to sit in... has anyone had the opportunity? ::Ronen Kadushin ::Movisi